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Adopted text

The shrinking space for civil society in Cambodia, in particular the case of the labour rights organisation CENTRAL

TA-10-2024-0053 · P10_TA(2024)0053 · PE766.504

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This resolution condemns the shrinking civic space in Cambodia and calls for the release of political prisoners, activists, journalists, and human rights defenders held on politically motivated charges. It urges Cambodian authorities to drop charges against CENTRAL and other civil society groups, amend laws to meet international standards, and urges EU companies to conduct human rights due diligence. It calls on the Commission and Member States to assess tariff preferences based on Cambodia's human rights record, and urges the EU and international community to take action, including sanctions and support for civil society.

Key points

  1. Condemns the shrinking of civic space in Cambodia and calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners, activists, journalists, human rights defenders and other civil society actors held on politically motivated charges.
  2. Calls on Cambodian authorities to dismiss politically motivated charges against CENTRAL and its members, halt audits and smear campaigns, and respect the role of civil society organisations.
  3. Urges Cambodia to amend the Trade Union Law, the Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organisations (LANGO) and other legislation to align with international human rights and labour standards.
  4. Calls on EU companies sourcing from Cambodia to conduct thorough human rights due diligence in their supply chains and leverage their influence to promote workers' rights.
  5. Calls on the Commission and Member States to assess changes to tariff preferences under the Everything but Arms scheme based on Cambodia's non-cooperation on human rights.
  6. Urges the EU and Member States to explore adoption of multilateral instruments on business and human rights.
  7. Calls for the EU and international community to take immediate action, including targeted sanctions against those responsible for political repression, until all political prisoners are released.
  8. Calls on Member States and the EEAS to increase all forms of support, including financial, for Cambodian civil society and provide protection for human rights defenders and persecuted opposition members.

Who is affected

  • Cambodian authorities and government-aligned organisations, who are urged to release prisoners and amend laws.
  • Civil society organisations in Cambodia, including CENTRAL, Equitable Cambodia and Mother Nature Cambodia, who face repression and are to be protected.
  • EU companies sourcing from Cambodia, who must conduct human rights due diligence.
  • The Commission and Member States, who must assess tariff preferences and provide support.